Pendleton vs Portland: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Pendleton, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pendleton, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,264 | $129,181▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.89 | $62.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,132 | $112,968▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $101,149 | $127,817▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,715 | $134,690▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,937 | $154,755▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 2,380▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pendleton.
The salary gap between Pendleton and Portland is $12,917 (11.11%). Portland's median is +25.48% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pendleton spans $42,805,Portland spans $41,787. Pendleton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($122,538 effective) pays 8.14% more than Pendleton ($113,318 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pendleton if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,181/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($154,755)
- ✓Larger job market (2,380 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,538)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Pendleton grew 31.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 40.6% growth in Portland over the same period.
Pendleton, OR
$84,030 (2020) → $110,791 (2025)
Portland, OR
$87,580 (2020) → $123,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pendleton, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Pendleton or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pendleton and Portland?
Should I relocate from Pendleton to Portland as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Pendleton vs Portland?
Related Comparisons
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov